Morocco and UK target 2030 World Cup projects to double trade
via Le Matin3 min read
Morocco and the United Kingdom are aiming to double trade and strengthen partnerships, leveraging the 2030 World Cup as a catalyst for transformation. This was a key message from Mr. Bryant, a British minister, during his official visit to Morocco, where he led a delegation of government and private sector representatives at the Morocco/UK Business Forum. He highlighted the World Cup as an opportunity to enhance Morocco's attractiveness, promote its international image, develop infrastructure, and leave a lasting legacy. British companies at the forum expressed interest in supporting Morocco in areas such as major event management, security, infrastructure, fan services, and post-event legacy planning. Mr. Mezzour, for his part, noted that the 2030 World Cup is seen as a development driver to improve transport infrastructure, health services, and public facilities across the country, not just in host cities. Beyond the World Cup, Morocco is implementing a broad territorial and economic transformation program over the next eight years, including road infrastructure, local health facilities, and boosting the local economic fabric. The Moroccan minister indicated that Morocco seeks to use its public markets and transformation projects to strengthen its position in global value chains, aiming for partnerships based on investment, innovation, and competitiveness rather than just technology transfers. Ben Coleman, the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy for Morocco and West Africa, emp
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
The Atlas Lions secured a 4-0 victory over Madagascar, with Ismael Saibari scoring twice in the 3rd and 24th minutes. Soufiane Rahimi added a goal from a penalty in the 77th minute, followed by Ayoub El Kaabi in the 86th minute. This match allowed the national coach to refine tactical adjustments and evaluate several players. The team's offensive efficiency, diverse player profiles, and defensive solidity are seen as encouraging signs as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
Must ReadKing Mohammed VI was received by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, at his residence in Rabat on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. The meeting provided an opportunity for the leaders to discuss various international issues and challenges, particularly those concerning the Gulf States and the Middle East. This encounter highlights the deep fraternal ties between the leaders and their families, as well as the strategic partnership, fruitful cooperation, and active solidarity between Morocco and the Emirates under their leadership.
Must ReadMorocco's average number of children per woman has dropped to 1.97 in 2024, according to a study by the French National Institute of Demographic Studies. This figure places the Kingdom below the generation replacement threshold, which is set at 2.1 children per woman.
GNV inaugurated its newest vessel, the GNV Aurora, in Tanger Ville on June 1, 2026, marking a significant investment in strengthening maritime links between Morocco, Spain, and Italy. This event, attended by Moroccan Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh, Moroccan Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts Fatim-Zahra Ammor, and Italian Ambassador Pasquale Salzano, highlighted GNV's strategy to deploy two new LNG-powered ships, the GNV Aurora and GNV Virgo, exclusively on these routes. The GNV Aurora will operate on the Tanger Med-Barcelona-Genoa route from early June, followed by the GNV Virgo from July 1. Barcelona will serve as a transit hub, and Genoa will handle LNG bunkering. The investment for these two vessels totals 360 million euros, part of a 1.3 billion euro fleet renewal program by 2030, which includes eight ships. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive President of MSC Group's Cruise Division and President of GNV, emphasized Morocco's strategic importance for the company's Mediterranean network. The GNV Aurora, built in China, is the second LNG-powered vessel in GNV's fleet, featuring a capacity for 1,700 passengers and 2,780 linear meters of cargo. It adheres to IMO Tier III environmental standards, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 50% compared to older ferries. Matteo Catani, GNV's General Manager, stated that this technological choice reflects the company's commitment to safety, environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and travel experience qualit